The Benam Lab (https://www.benamlab.net/) at the University of Pittsburgh Departments of Medicine and Bioengineering is seeking a highly motivated Research Engineer III to support the design, development, and optimization of advanced biomedical devices used in human-relevant experimental systems. This role focuses on device fabrication, process development, and manufacturability to enable robust, reproducible, and scalable production of experimental platforms. The position will contribute to both early-stage prototyping and advancement toward higher levels of technical maturity and deployment.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical / System Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in device design, prototyping, or fabrication
• Experience with engineering design tools (e.g., CAD software)
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary research and engineering environments
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience with fabrication of small-scale or precision-engineered devices, including Organs-on-Chips, injection molding, and CNC milling
• Familiarity with polymer-based materials and manufacturing processes
• Experience with iterative prototyping and design-for-manufacturing principles
• Experience working at the interface of engineering and biological systems
Designs, fabricates, and maintains research instrumentation and develops conceptual project design and instrumentation, software programs, and data collection methods. Assists with conducting research. Oversees research projects and writes and presents results reports at conferences.
• Design, prototype, and refine biomedical devices and components supporting advanced experimental systems
• Develop and optimize fabrication processes to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability
• Contribute to selection and evaluation of materials, fabrication methods, and assembly workflows
• Perform testing and validation of device performance, including durability, reproducibility, and functional integrity
• Collaborate with scientific and engineering teams to align device design with experimental requirements
• Maintain documentation related to design iterations, fabrication processes, and quality control
• Troubleshoot device-related issues and implement design improvements
• Support coordination of engineering activities across multidisciplinary teams and contribute to project execution
• Contribute to preparation of technical documentation, reports, and related materials
Must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time and perform hands-on engineering and laboratory tasks, including device assembly and testing.
The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.
Job Details
- Assignment Category: Full-time regular
- Job Classification: Staff.Research Engineer III
- Job Family: Research
- Job Sub-Family: Research Engineering
- Campus: Pittsburgh
- Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree
- Minimum Years of Experience Required: 2
- Substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 5pm
- Work Arrangement: On-Campus: Teams that work on campus, in an office, or in a lab.
- Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
- Relocation Offered: No
- Visa Sponsorship Provided: Yes
- Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
- Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
- Required Documents: Resume
- Optional Documents: Cover Letter